World

Libya celebrates revolt anniversary

Libyans celebrate two years after the start of their uprising against Muammar Gaddafi, as the country's fledgling government deals with security failures and unrest in the east. Lindsey Parietti reports.

LIBYA has celebrated two years since the start of the revolt that toppled dictator Muammar Gaddafi, with security forces on high alert due to fears of fresh violence.

The anniversary of the uprising that ended with Gaddafi's killing in October 2011 comes as Libya's new rulers battle critics calling for a "new revolution" and accusing them of failing to usher in much-needed reforms.

Fireworks lit up the night sky in cities across the North African country as warplanes and army helicopters criss-crossed the capital.

Several thousand people converged on squares in Tripoli and the eastern city of Benghazi, waving Libyan flags and playing patriotic songs in a carnival atmosphere, as long convoys of cars blared music out onto streets.

"Where is Gaddafi? Where are the slaves? Let them see all these people and die of frustration!" shouted a young man.

Speaking to hundreds of people in Benghazi, where the uprising began, de facto head of state Mohammed Megaryef paid homage to the "martyrs of the revolution" and the "true revolutionaries" who helped bring down Gaddafi.

He insisted that Libya would not be allowed to become a "base for terrorism" and vowed to end the marginalisation of the east.

Already on Friday, large crowds gathered in the main cities of Tripoli and Benghazi to celebrate the initial February 15, 2011 protest that ignited the revolt two days later.

The authorities took steps to prevent violence on Sunday.

Libya's borders with Egypt and Tunisia were closed on Thursday for four days and all international flights suspended except at the airports of Tripoli and Benghazi, while checkpoints were set up around the two cities.

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